Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Apron
1860-1900
Maker not marked
USA
Silk, bullion, wool, cotton, ink
overall: 17-1/2"h x 18-1/2"w; overall w ties: 17-1/2"h x 23"w
Museum Purchase
95.043.4

Grand United Order of Odd Fellows Apron; rounded body with no flap; white silk with orange and black pleated silk edging and gold bullion fringe; within a border of laurel and oak sprigs, colored central image; the female figures of Prudence and Justice flank the Arms of the Odd Fellows; above: a ribbon inscribed with motto "AMICITIA AMOR ET VERITAS"; above all, a rainbow inscribed with initials "G.U.O. of O.F."; reverse lined with cream glazed cotton. Brown and black cord ties with tassels.

The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, which traces its roots to Freemasonry, is an African American fraternal organization. This apron features the group’s motto, Amicitia Amor et Veritas (Friendship, Love and Truth), as well as female figures representing Justice (holding scales), Charity (with children), and Prudence (lifting a mirror and a torch).